CPD Requirement Exemptions

Lawyers and paralegals who are in the 50% and 25% fee-paying categories for an entire calendar year are automatically exempt from the CPD requirement as long as they do not practise law or provide legal services. Lawyers and paralegals in the 100% fee-paying category who will not be working for a portion of the calendar year may change their membership status to the 50% or 25% fee-paying category for that portion of the year. Lawyers and paralegals who change their membership status to the 50% or 25% fee-paying category for a portion of a calendar year will be automatically exempted from 1 CPD Hour for every full month in which they are in one of those categories, and will be responsible for completing 1 CPD Hour for every month or partial month in which they are in the 100% fee-paying category. Lawyers and paralegals who are in the 25%, 50% or Life Member category are required to fulfill the CPD requirement if they provide legal services. That includes lawyers who provide legal services on a pro bono basis only. See Fee Categories for more information. Status changes may be made online using the LSUC Portal.

Members who wish to remain in the 100% fee-paying category but will not be able to fulfill the CPD requirement may seek an exemption from the requirement in circumstances falling within the Human Rights Code, such as parental leave or a leave of absence from practice due to illness. Lawyers and paralegals seeking an exemption are required to submit a Member Application and Declaration Form (PDF). Lawyers and paralegals who are eligible for an exemption will be exempted from 1 CPD Hour for every full month in which they are on leave from practice, and will be responsible for completing 1 CPD Hour for every month or partial month in which they practise law. There is no exemption from the requirement on the basis that the lawyer or paralegal is too busy, such as being involved in a long trial. There is no exemption from the requirement on the basis that the lawyer or paralegal practises law outside of Ontario.